Conscientious objection

For centuries Quakers have objected to war and armed service on grounds of conscience, and fought for the right to conscientious objection. Now we are campaigning for exemption to military taxation.

In Britain, there has not been military conscription since the 1950s, but citizens continue to pay for war through our taxes. Conscientious objection in Britain today is about upholding the right to refuse to pay for others to kill on our behalf.

Take action

International Conscientious Objectors Day

15 May marks International Conscientious Objection Day, celebrating resisters of war past and present. Quakers join people of all faiths and none at these events.

Let us know if you're holding your own commemoration. Possible venues are listed by the
Peace Pledge Union.

Write to prisoners for peace

You can support conscientious objectors who have been imprisoned for refusing to join the military by writing to them.

Each year on 1 December, supporters of conscientious objection mark Prisoners for Peace Day.
War Resisters' International publishes a list of prisoners who are either conscientious objectors or who have taken nonviolent actions to disrupt preparation for war.